Novel primary care treatment package for patients with medically unexplained symptoms: a cohort intervention study

BACKGROUND: Existing care models for patients with persistent medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) do not adequately address the needs of these patients. New and innovative intervention strategies are necessary to achieve better health and corresponding economic outcomes. AIM: To explore the feasibility of implementing a pragmatic care package that provides primary care treatment for patients with persistent MUS and to evaluate recruitment, retention, and acceptability as well as the potential impact on clinical outcomes and service utilisation. DESIGN & SETTING: Prospective cohort intervention study involving a cluster of seven GP surgeries in Newham, East London, providing a 'One-Stop-Shop' primary care treatment service. METHOD: The care package included: identification, assessment, engagement, psychoeducation, and a choice of group interventions (mindfulness-based stress reduction [MBSR] and body-oriented psychological therapy [BOPT]). Baseline and follow-up data on somatic symptom levels (PHQ-15), health-related quality of life (SF-36, EQ-5D) and service utilisation was analysed. RESULTS: In total, 145 patients were referred and assessed for eligibility, and 93 were included in the study. Participants engaged well with different components of the care package and gained significant improvements in somatic symptom levels with corresponding increases of quality-of-life ratings and a reduction in healthcare utilisation (GP contacts and referrals to specialist services) as well as associated healthcare costs. CONCLUSION: The primary care treatment package can be successfully implemented in primary care at a relatively low cost and easily adopted into routine care. The body-oriented approach is well accepted by clinicians and patients. Controlled trials should be conducted to test the efficacy of the treatment package.